GOP's Greg Reed leading in state Senate 5 race

Republican Greg Reed is leading Democrat Brett Wadsworth with 72 percent of total votes counted so far in the four-county state Senate District 5 race.

Reed, 45, was carrying Jefferson, Walker and Tuscaloosa counties with an average of 75 percent in each county, according to unofficial election results. Results from Winston County were not available. The district includes parts of western Jefferson County, Walker County and parts of Tuscaloosa and Winston counties.

The winner will replace incumbent state Sen. Charles Bishop, a Republican who did not seek reelection.

Reed and Wadsworth, both Jasper residents making their first bid for office, have battled for votes since winning their respective June primaries.

Reed is a businessman in the medical equipment field and has long been active in Republican politics. He's served as senior vice chairman of the state party and chairman of the Walker County Republican Party.